Bocchi, Federica
(2024)
Metrics in biodiversity conservation and the value-free ideal.
Synthese, 203 (145).
Abstract
This paper examines one aspect of the legacy of the Value-Free Ideal in conserva-tion science: the view that measurements and metrics are value-free epistemic toolsdetached from ideological, ethical, social, and, generally, non-epistemic consider-ations. Contrary to this view, I will argue that traditional measurement practicesentrenched in conservation are in fact permeated with non-epistemic values. I challengethe received view by revealing three non-epistemic assumptions underlying traditionalmetrics: (1) a human-environment demarcation, (2) the desirability of a people-freelandscape, and (3) the exclusion of cultural diversity from biodiversity. I also drawa connection between arguments for retaining traditional metrics to “scientific colo-nialism,” exemplified by a fortress conservation model. I conclude by advocating forabandoning the myth of the intrinsic value-freedom of measurement practices andembracing metrics aligned with societal and scientific goals.
| Item Type: |
Published Article or Volume
|
| Creators: |
|
| Keywords: |
Value-free ideal · Biodiversity conservation · Critical metrology ·Scientific colonialism |
| Depositing User: |
Federica Federica Bocchi
|
| Date Deposited: |
29 Apr 2024 00:25 |
| Last Modified: |
29 Apr 2024 00:25 |
| Item ID: |
23338 |
| Journal or Publication Title: |
Synthese |
| Publisher: |
Springer |
| Official URL: |
https://link.springer.com/epdf/10.1007/s11229-024-... |
| DOI or Unique Handle: |
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11229-024-04561-8 |
| Date: |
April 2024 |
| Volume: |
203 |
| Number: |
145 |
| URI: |
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/23338 |
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